Intel's 12th Gen Core i9-12900KS launches on April 5, promises next-level performance

What you need to know

• Intel will discuss its 12th Gen processors at an event on April 5.
• The company will show off its new Core i9-12900KS CPU during a live stream.
• You can watch the presentation on Twitch starting at 12PM PT (3PM ET) on April 5, 2022.

Intel will hold an event on April 5 and on that same day will launch the 12th Gen Core i9-12900KS CPU. The new chip enables up to 5.5GHz max turbo frequency and is being advertised as the fastest desktop processor consumers can buy. The chipmaker confirmed the specs and pricing for the Core i9-12900KS, which will launch on April 5, 2022, starting at $739.

Specifically, Intel calls its new flagship CPU the "world's fastest desktop processor." If the chip lives up to Intel's expectations in real-world usage, it should be one of the best CPUs.

The Core i9-12900KS will feature eight P cores (performance cores) running at 5.2GHz and eight E cores (efficiency cores) running at 4.0GHz. Those figures beat out the Intel Core i9-12900K by a small margin. The chip will also support Intel Adaptive Boost Technology.

Here are the key specs of the new processor from Intel:

• Up to 5.5 GHz max turbo frequency with Intel Thermal Velocity Boost.
• Intel Adaptive Boost Technology for improved gaming performance by opportunistically allowing higher multi-core turbo frequencies.
• 16 cores (eight P-cores and eight E-cores), 24 threads, 150W processor base power, 30MB Intel Smart Cache, and PCIe Gen 5.0 and 4.0 support.
• Up to DDR5 4800 MT/s and DDR4 3200 MT/s support.
• Chipset compatible with existing Z690 motherboards with latest BIOS recommended for the best gaming experience.

A retail listing for the Core i9-12900KS briefly appeared on Newegg, though it has since been taken down. One lucky PC builder claims to have already received the new CPU, even though it doesn't officially launch until next month.

The Intel Tech Event kicks off at 12PM PT (3PM ET) on April 5, 2022. You can watch it on Intel's Twitch channel.